I’m amazed at how quickly I got support and I’m overwhelmed with the support I received from Fortalice
Sign-up to our Newsletter
Working in Partnership
Since April 2019 we have worked in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police on the Fortalice Crisis car service. This service uses trained volunteers, who work alongside the Police, to visit individuals in their home after they have made a 999 call due to a domestic abuse incident.
During the visit we work collaboratively with the Police offering guidance and support to the victims. In addition we support the Police in completing risk assessments and safety planning. We are able to offer timely referrals into a range of holistic services including Fortalice’s Outreach Support Centre and Refuge services, thus providing individuals with support at the immediate point of crisis.
Case Study
Our volunteer visited a single parent who had 3 children. Mum was in a new relationship and the domestic abuse that was happening in this partnership was causing family distress. This had been the first incident she had reported to the police. During the visit we discussed her needs and told her how we could help. We talked about other agencies and services we could signpost her to.
After the visit we liaised with the following services:
- Health Visitor – who supported with children’s health needs
- Finances – we helped Mum to get benefits advice, gas payment support, food parcels
- The Freedom Programme – Mum attended sessions to find out how the abuse affects both her and her children
- Housing – we wrote a letter of support to help her move out of area
- Counselling – to improve her mood
Following this work, Mum is no longer in the abusive relationship, the children are progressing well and Mum is looking for volunteer work.
Contact us to find out more about the Fortalice Crisis car
What our Volunteers have to say…
Really impressed with the service and it’s nice to know it’s out there for those who need it
Fortalice service helps make a difference to families and helps them get support at a crucial moment
The outcome would not have been so positive without Fortalice’s help and support
Volunteering on the Early Intervention Project has been a great opportunity for me to be involved in offering support to individuals suffering any forms of domestic abuse. The project is a great way to be there for people at the first instance. We are able to discuss services that are available and give the support individuals need. I’ve felt the project to be a great success. It is rewarding when you feel you have helped someone who is in need and not aware of the services that are there for them.
I have found volunteering very rewarding. I really feel I make a difference to families and the feedback received has always been very positive. Families always say how nice it is to have a follow up visit and know someone cares and is there should they need further support
The year I have spent working with the Early Intervention Project has shown me that it provides a vital service. The feedback from visits has been overwhelmingly positive. It is a privilege to be part of such an important project which makes such a difference